organ

anatomical unit

Anatomical structure that performs a specific function or group of functions [WP].

Type Organ
Parent Structure multicellular anatomical structure
Latin Name anatomical unit
FMA ID 67498

Sub-structures

accessory nasal sac Organ anal sac Gland arthropod fat body Bone compound cell cluster organ Organ compound organ Organ digestive system element Organ dorsal region element Bone echolocation organ Organ electric organ Organ gill Organ gland Gland Hatschek's nephridium Organ hemopoietic organ Organ immune organ Organ junk chamber Organ ligament Ligament mammalian vulva Organ membrane organ Organ membranous labyrinth Organ muscle organ Muscle nucleus pulposus Nerve opisthosome Organ oral cirrus Organ photophore Organ pit organ Organ placenta Organ plume Organ radula Bone reproductive organ Organ respiration organ Organ ring of oral cilia Organ scolex Organ sense organ Organ serous sac Tendon simple organ Organ skeletal element Bone skin of body Organ spermaceti organ Organ spermathecum Organ sympathetic trunk Nerve synovial bursa Bone toxactinium Organ tracheobronchial tree Organ trophosome Organ trunk region element Organ tube foot ampulla Organ tubeworm tube Organ urethra Muscle velum feeding organ Organ vestibular organ Organ vocal organ Organ

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as an organ in anatomy?
An organ is an anatomical structure that performs a specific function or group of related functions as an integrated unit. Organs are typically composed of two or more tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscular, and/or nervous tissue) that work together. The heart, liver, kidney, lung, and skin are classic examples, but the classification can extend to smaller structures like lymph nodes or the adrenal gland, which similarly integrate multiple tissue types for a dedicated function.
How do organs relate to organ systems?
Organs are the building blocks of organ systems — groups of organs that cooperate to perform broader physiological functions. For example, the heart and blood vessels together form the cardiovascular system; the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas together form the digestive system. Individual organs have their own intrinsic functions but operate within the context of their system, and dysfunction in one organ affects the entire system's performance.
Is the skin an organ?
Yes — the skin is the largest organ of the human body by surface area (~1.7–2 m² in adults). It qualifies as an organ because it integrates multiple tissue types (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, plus hair follicles, sweat glands, and sensory receptors) performing diverse functions: protection against pathogens and UV radiation, temperature regulation, sensory detection, vitamin D synthesis, and water loss prevention. This multitissue, multifunctional integration is the hallmark of organ status.

Related Structures

1st arch mandibular component ventral mandibular arch 1st arch mandibular ectoderm ectoderm of mandibular component 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme mandibular component mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from head mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from neural crest 1st arch maxillary component 1st arch maxillary ectoderm ectoderm of maxillary component 1st arch maxillary-mandibular cleft 1st arch maxillary-mandibular groove ectoderm

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.